Since Van Persie's summer move to Old Trafford from Arsenal, competition for places has increased with Sir Alex Ferguson preferring Wayne Rooney, Chicharito or the Netherlands international in favour of Welbeck in recent weeks.

The 22-year-old has only scored one goal so far this season, but is happy to just get on the pitch and help out his team-mates wherever and whenever he is afforded the opportunity.

"Striker is my favourite position but once I get on the pitch, whether it's out on the wing or in the middle, I just want to enjoy my football and try and produce as good a performance as possible," Welbeck told reporters.

"Robin is a different type of striker to the ones we have previously had. It's great motivation to see somebody with so much class come into the side and score goals."

Van Persie is joint-top of the Premier League goalscoring charts with 10 goals in 15 games, and Welbeck has hailed the quality of the £22 million forward, adding that his display on the pitch is helping him improve his own game.

He continued: "But it's not just his goals that have been pleasing - it's the way he's played all-round and the assists he's got.

"He's a world-class striker and to watch him week in, week out is something that is of great benefit to me. He is definitely someone I can look up to."